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Tampa Bay Hawks #2
Ice Queen
Thirteen years ago, I became the lone survivor of an accident that changed life as I knew it. Thirteen years of shouldering the guilt of simply existing, while constantly trying to convince myself that I deserve to be here.
Then, I met her. Eyes wide, fear-stricken, as she begged me to help her hide. I didn’t ask questions, I didn’t even know her name when I dropped her off at the airport. I told her to build a life she was proud of, and she did.
What I didn’t expect was for that life to collide with mine two years later, while my contract is on the line. I can’t afford to get distracted, but with her bookstore right across from a team favorite hangout, mixed with the fact that she's my dog's new favorite person, it gets harder by the day to deny the effect she has on me.
When our past and present collide, I'm left with one harrowing realization: I may have saved her then, but her quiet strength is the only thing saving me now.
Then, I met her. Eyes wide, fear-stricken, as she begged me to help her hide. I didn’t ask questions, I didn’t even know her name when I dropped her off at the airport. I told her to build a life she was proud of, and she did.
What I didn’t expect was for that life to collide with mine two years later, while my contract is on the line. I can’t afford to get distracted, but with her bookstore right across from a team favorite hangout, mixed with the fact that she's my dog's new favorite person, it gets harder by the day to deny the effect she has on me.
When our past and present collide, I'm left with one harrowing realization: I may have saved her then, but her quiet strength is the only thing saving me now.
394 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
10/23/2026 edit
This book is now open door per the author. I can not longer recommend this book when I read it at a time that it was fade-to-black. I dont like it when an already published book changes content.
I felt for our FMC, Kaitlyn, after escaping an abusive relationship and finally living her life away from her past. However, there are certain choices and opinions I just couldn't relate to or support with our FMC. There was talk of sex preference and that left me feeling very uncomfortable.
I absolutely loved Markus Samuel, his character development and storyline. His past was so tragic but I loved how he took the initiative and went to therapy to get better mentally. There was a lot of crap Markus was put through but he made it out a better man. The healing journey for him was satisfying and I loved it!
Now for everything else, I read this book soo fast. The writing kept me engaged, it was fastpaced and had the perfect suspense element. I really do love Lindsey's writing and characters, but unfortunately this book was not for me. It was marked as fade-to-black, but it toed the line to cracked-door. It reads more like a spicy book, just without any explicit scenes. It definitely boarded the line, as certain terms were used as ways to express certain reactions. Again, without the explicit detail, but still body parts were alluded to.
I can't say I will recommend this one if you are a closed-door reader, as this pushes the line, even for me.
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC!! All opinions expressed are my own!
🔥 Heat level: Cracked-door and heavy make outs
🫢 Language: Mild, no f-words
This book is now open door per the author. I can not longer recommend this book when I read it at a time that it was fade-to-black. I dont like it when an already published book changes content.
I felt for our FMC, Kaitlyn, after escaping an abusive relationship and finally living her life away from her past. However, there are certain choices and opinions I just couldn't relate to or support with our FMC. There was talk of sex preference and that left me feeling very uncomfortable.
I absolutely loved Markus Samuel, his character development and storyline. His past was so tragic but I loved how he took the initiative and went to therapy to get better mentally. There was a lot of crap Markus was put through but he made it out a better man. The healing journey for him was satisfying and I loved it!
Now for everything else, I read this book soo fast. The writing kept me engaged, it was fastpaced and had the perfect suspense element. I really do love Lindsey's writing and characters, but unfortunately this book was not for me. It was marked as fade-to-black, but it toed the line to cracked-door. It reads more like a spicy book, just without any explicit scenes. It definitely boarded the line, as certain terms were used as ways to express certain reactions. Again, without the explicit detail, but still body parts were alluded to.
I can't say I will recommend this one if you are a closed-door reader, as this pushes the line, even for me.
Thank you to the author for the gifted ARC!! All opinions expressed are my own!
🔥 Heat level: Cracked-door and heavy make outs
🫢 Language: Mild, no f-words
July 29, 2026
I am really loving this series !!
Check your triggers for this one.
It does touch on an abusive relationship. Our fmc learns to find herself again once she is away from that situation and her a hit hockey player with his own demons helps her along the way!
Check your triggers for this one.
It does touch on an abusive relationship. Our fmc learns to find herself again once she is away from that situation and her a hit hockey player with his own demons helps her along the way!
Did Not Finish
July 8, 2026omg DNF at @ 30% wow i have no words
May 3, 2026
I’ve never heard a MMC described as a Doberman MMC, but Markus/Sammie … that is actually the only way to describe him.
This book had everything you could need with it - HOCKEY, found family, trauma/healing, bookstore owner, emotional support dog. I absolutely adored the entire dynamic, even not remembering fully the details of book 1, it was written so well to catch you up to dive in as if a true standalone.
I read this as a beta with such limited feedback because the storyline is legitimately perfect as is. Only my second book by this author but immediately headed backwards in the backlist to meet the other characters and get the full experience of the world she has created.
This book had everything you could need with it - HOCKEY, found family, trauma/healing, bookstore owner, emotional support dog. I absolutely adored the entire dynamic, even not remembering fully the details of book 1, it was written so well to catch you up to dive in as if a true standalone.
I read this as a beta with such limited feedback because the storyline is legitimately perfect as is. Only my second book by this author but immediately headed backwards in the backlist to meet the other characters and get the full experience of the world she has created.
June 26, 2026
“𝘐’𝘮 𝘢 𝘣𝘳𝘰𝘬𝘦𝘯 𝘮𝘢𝘯, 𝘗𝘳𝘪𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴𝘢. 𝘐𝘵 𝘧𝘦𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘭𝘧𝘪𝘴𝘩 𝘵𝘰 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘺𝘰𝘶, 𝘵𝘰 𝘱𝘶𝘭𝘭 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘪𝘯𝘵𝘰 𝘮𝘺 𝘮𝘦𝘴𝘴. 𝘉𝘶𝘵 𝘐 𝘥𝘰. 𝘐 𝘸𝘢𝘯𝘵 𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘺𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘺𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘸𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘵𝘰 𝘨𝘪𝘷𝘦 𝘮𝘦.”
MARKUS SAMUELS 🥹🥹 this broken man with the biggest heart, omg!! I think I was crying through this whole story!! I completely devoured them. Him and Kait are precious and deserve all the happiness and love 🥹🥹 the way he created a safe space for Kait even when he felt inadequate, he still did his best to put her first and give her safety. The way Lindsey wrote the emotions here just left me speechless. I felt so much, it was overwhelming with the emotions that overcame me. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.” 🤍
Also the found family?? I love this group so much!!! The way they’re all there for each other no matter what. It feels like a giant hug where they’re all together. The laughs that turn to cries — they’re the best.
The mental health rep was so strong here. This was truly just a beautiful story about survival and healing 🫶🏼 And I’m so excited for the future Hawks stories!
🩵 what to expect -
hockey romance
doberman mmc
she falls first, he falls harder
found family
therapy rep
bookstore owner fmc
emotional support dog
fade to black
MARKUS SAMUELS 🥹🥹 this broken man with the biggest heart, omg!! I think I was crying through this whole story!! I completely devoured them. Him and Kait are precious and deserve all the happiness and love 🥹🥹 the way he created a safe space for Kait even when he felt inadequate, he still did his best to put her first and give her safety. The way Lindsey wrote the emotions here just left me speechless. I felt so much, it was overwhelming with the emotions that overcame me. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦 𝘩𝘦𝘳𝘦.” 🤍
Also the found family?? I love this group so much!!! The way they’re all there for each other no matter what. It feels like a giant hug where they’re all together. The laughs that turn to cries — they’re the best.
The mental health rep was so strong here. This was truly just a beautiful story about survival and healing 🫶🏼 And I’m so excited for the future Hawks stories!
🩵 what to expect -
hockey romance
doberman mmc
she falls first, he falls harder
found family
therapy rep
bookstore owner fmc
emotional support dog
fade to black
May 26, 2026
Thank you so much to Lindsey for this ARC!
Just as with Melt the Ice, I absolutely LOVED Ice Queen. I swear, Lindsey just knows how to write down bad, green flag, emotionally intelligent MEN. They aren’t perfect, because no one is, but they own up to their mistakes, and aren’t too proud to apologize and fix whatever went wrong. Markus is no exception, I loved him and his protective nature, but I also loved that he knew when to step back and let Kait stand up for herself.
The mental health rep and the care that Lindsey took with Kait and her past was perfect. Markus and Kait were absolutely precious, and I loved getting to see the continuation of the rest of the framily as well! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of her books because these two solidified her as an auto-buy author for me!
Ice Queen will be released on July 7th, and I highly recommend you check it out! And in the meantime, read Melt the Ice!!!
Just as with Melt the Ice, I absolutely LOVED Ice Queen. I swear, Lindsey just knows how to write down bad, green flag, emotionally intelligent MEN. They aren’t perfect, because no one is, but they own up to their mistakes, and aren’t too proud to apologize and fix whatever went wrong. Markus is no exception, I loved him and his protective nature, but I also loved that he knew when to step back and let Kait stand up for herself.
The mental health rep and the care that Lindsey took with Kait and her past was perfect. Markus and Kait were absolutely precious, and I loved getting to see the continuation of the rest of the framily as well! I can’t wait to go back and read the rest of her books because these two solidified her as an auto-buy author for me!
Ice Queen will be released on July 7th, and I highly recommend you check it out! And in the meantime, read Melt the Ice!!!
July 8, 2026
4⭐ 0,5🌶️ *ARC review*
Be prepared for this book to pull at your heartstrings and take your through a rollercoaster of emotions.
This is a very accurate depiction of what many people go through mentally dealing with survivors guilt.
The story starts with our MMC, Markus, who's the only survivor of a plane crash that ultimately took the lives of his closer friend/childhood love and her mothers, many years ago. It takes us through the multiple struggles this pure, soft man has been going through all these years, the guilt and shame he feels about surviving and how undeserving he feels to be the one that gets to live.
Markus is such a soft giant of a man, he's a 6'6 hockey player who's a protector through and through.
He encounters our FMC in a bar, where she approached him after escaping her abusive ex, to help her escape. Markus being the massive green flag he is, helped her escape no questions asked.
A few years later, they stumble upon each other living in the same city, Kaitlyn has finally built a life for herself but it just so happens that through common acquaintances they meet again. Kaitlyn once again finds herself in an unsafe situation and Markus wastes no time coming to her rescue, despite his worry that she will end up getting hurt because of him too.
I loved reading about the progression of their friendship, how they helped each other heal broken parts of their psyche and regained trust and confidence in themselves. I was 100% here for the sizzling tension, the funny/flirtatious banter and the huge found family Kaitlyn got welcomed in. 🥹💕
There's two things I would've preferred done differently to give more depth and drama to the story, that kept me from rating 5⭐.
This is a fade to black book, which in this instance means that besides some heavy make out scenes, there's no spice. I was already aware of it of course before starting this book, however I feel like since sexual intimacy was one of the FMCs insecurities caused by the abusive ex, having a few light scenes would have given the readers a better insight on how the trust between the MCs grew on that front and the different power dynamics that were lightly mentioned after.
Lastly, I think the resolution with the abusive ex fell short in comparison to how his character was built throughout the book. He was presented as a cunning, manipulative and dangerous character, that doesn't quite fit with a man that just watches her from afar, torments her hero/boyfriend at work and walks away like a coward in the end, all the while knowing exactly where she is. I think a more dramatic ending where the villain actually acts like a villain instead of a mean ex/coach would've been more enjoyable and fitting to his character and the story.
Despite that, I think it was a very well written and enjoyable book, that sends a lot of empowering and healing messages to the readers and would definitely recommend it! 💙✨
Be prepared for this book to pull at your heartstrings and take your through a rollercoaster of emotions.
This is a very accurate depiction of what many people go through mentally dealing with survivors guilt.
The story starts with our MMC, Markus, who's the only survivor of a plane crash that ultimately took the lives of his closer friend/childhood love and her mothers, many years ago. It takes us through the multiple struggles this pure, soft man has been going through all these years, the guilt and shame he feels about surviving and how undeserving he feels to be the one that gets to live.
Markus is such a soft giant of a man, he's a 6'6 hockey player who's a protector through and through.
He encounters our FMC in a bar, where she approached him after escaping her abusive ex, to help her escape. Markus being the massive green flag he is, helped her escape no questions asked.
A few years later, they stumble upon each other living in the same city, Kaitlyn has finally built a life for herself but it just so happens that through common acquaintances they meet again. Kaitlyn once again finds herself in an unsafe situation and Markus wastes no time coming to her rescue, despite his worry that she will end up getting hurt because of him too.
I loved reading about the progression of their friendship, how they helped each other heal broken parts of their psyche and regained trust and confidence in themselves. I was 100% here for the sizzling tension, the funny/flirtatious banter and the huge found family Kaitlyn got welcomed in. 🥹💕
There's two things I would've preferred done differently to give more depth and drama to the story, that kept me from rating 5⭐.
This is a fade to black book, which in this instance means that besides some heavy make out scenes, there's no spice. I was already aware of it of course before starting this book, however I feel like since sexual intimacy was one of the FMCs insecurities caused by the abusive ex, having a few light scenes would have given the readers a better insight on how the trust between the MCs grew on that front and the different power dynamics that were lightly mentioned after.
Lastly, I think the resolution with the abusive ex fell short in comparison to how his character was built throughout the book. He was presented as a cunning, manipulative and dangerous character, that doesn't quite fit with a man that just watches her from afar, torments her hero/boyfriend at work and walks away like a coward in the end, all the while knowing exactly where she is. I think a more dramatic ending where the villain actually acts like a villain instead of a mean ex/coach would've been more enjoyable and fitting to his character and the story.
Despite that, I think it was a very well written and enjoyable book, that sends a lot of empowering and healing messages to the readers and would definitely recommend it! 💙✨
July 8, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️️⭐️/ ️🌶️🌶️
The emotional journey that Ice Queen provides is nothing short but amazing. Lindsey Saenz welcomes readers back into the world of the Tampa Bay Hawks with book 2. Brought together by chance, our MCs see firsthand how sometimes fate plays a bigger role than we think. Lindsey’s writing is engaging, riveting, and seductive. She pulls readers in with a storyline that makes you feel something, characters you want to see thriving, and romance that can’t be ignored.
Kaitlyn is fleeing for her life when we meet her. Escaping an abusive ex, she is immediately someone my heart goes out to. Thankfully she finds help in a stranger who doesn’t hesitate to help her. Finally able to get away, she starts to put her life back together, yet the damage of the abusive relationship has taken its toll on her in every way. One thing she never forgets though is the stranger who helped her without question. Kaitlyn was amazing to see grow throughout this story. Not only to open herself to love again, but learn to trust even herself again.
Markus has never forgotten the woman he helped escape all those years ago. Going through his own turmoil, he lives with survivor’s guilt due to an accident that took the life of others, but left him to live. Helping her was the easiest decision he ever made. Now life is dealing him a tough hand again and he isn’t sure he will survive it. When he sees the woman from years ago, he doesn’t let fate pass him up this time. Markus provides a safe place for Kaitlyn and is beyond protective of her. He is a fantastic MMC who understands more than most the importance of keeping those he loves safe.
They may have met when Kaitlyn needed saving, but when they reunite, Markus is the one who is drowning. As they both learn to trust each other, whole heartedly, they find everything they have been looking for. Life may not become easier as a whole, but it becomes easier to handle together. Lindsey takes you on an emotional journey and reminds us that not all hardships can be seen on the outside. These two start to become the best versions of themselves, thanks to leaning on each other and the found family they have created.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Found Family
🏒Mental Health Rep
🩵She Falls First
🏒He Falls Harder
🩵Dobermann MMC
🏒Bookstore Owner FMC
🩵Fade to Black Romance
The emotional journey that Ice Queen provides is nothing short but amazing. Lindsey Saenz welcomes readers back into the world of the Tampa Bay Hawks with book 2. Brought together by chance, our MCs see firsthand how sometimes fate plays a bigger role than we think. Lindsey’s writing is engaging, riveting, and seductive. She pulls readers in with a storyline that makes you feel something, characters you want to see thriving, and romance that can’t be ignored.
Kaitlyn is fleeing for her life when we meet her. Escaping an abusive ex, she is immediately someone my heart goes out to. Thankfully she finds help in a stranger who doesn’t hesitate to help her. Finally able to get away, she starts to put her life back together, yet the damage of the abusive relationship has taken its toll on her in every way. One thing she never forgets though is the stranger who helped her without question. Kaitlyn was amazing to see grow throughout this story. Not only to open herself to love again, but learn to trust even herself again.
Markus has never forgotten the woman he helped escape all those years ago. Going through his own turmoil, he lives with survivor’s guilt due to an accident that took the life of others, but left him to live. Helping her was the easiest decision he ever made. Now life is dealing him a tough hand again and he isn’t sure he will survive it. When he sees the woman from years ago, he doesn’t let fate pass him up this time. Markus provides a safe place for Kaitlyn and is beyond protective of her. He is a fantastic MMC who understands more than most the importance of keeping those he loves safe.
They may have met when Kaitlyn needed saving, but when they reunite, Markus is the one who is drowning. As they both learn to trust each other, whole heartedly, they find everything they have been looking for. Life may not become easier as a whole, but it becomes easier to handle together. Lindsey takes you on an emotional journey and reminds us that not all hardships can be seen on the outside. These two start to become the best versions of themselves, thanks to leaning on each other and the found family they have created.
As always, review any author notes before reading.
What to Expect:
🏒Hockey Romance
🩵Found Family
🏒Mental Health Rep
🩵She Falls First
🏒He Falls Harder
🩵Dobermann MMC
🏒Bookstore Owner FMC
🩵Fade to Black Romance
August 8, 2026
“It may only be January, and not hotter than a post-game jock strap, but it’s still Florida.”
-Markus
“Even now, after years of mental beatdowns, I’m still measuring myself by how useful I am to the people around me. I don’t even know what I want. Only what I’m good for.”
-Kaitlyn
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be hearing about alien dicks from the sweet little old lady from across the street.”
-Kaitlyn
“You are very much not a wallflower. You’re the centerpiece, the very thing my eyes are drawn to the second we’re in the same room.”
-Markus
I love how this is a second chance, he saved me, touch her and die romance. And, AND, she owns a bookstore. Ahhh!!!
Here is the thing, why should they be together?
Kaitlyn was not healed from the abuse she endured from Wyatt. If she isn't ready to make friends after all this time, what makes her believe she's ready to be in a healthy, romantic relationship? Maria is the closest thing to a friend she has, yet she believes she is a burden to Maria. How can she want to start something up with Markus when she doesn't believe that Maria is genuine with her friendship?
Markus is just as broken. Thirteen years later and he is still emotionally paralyzed by the crash. He feels so guilty that he has kept everyone but his family at arms reach. All of a sudden he needs Kaitlyn to be his so bad that he moves her into his house. What? Homeboy! You need to fix yourself before playing out wifey fantasies with a complete stranger.
These two need more healing before they start wearing sexy lingerie and charging up toys for sleepovers. Both need therapy to work out their feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Or a good cry while they talk about their feelings to a trusted and nurturing person in their lives. Either of those options are a good start before either should start thinking about starting up a relationship with the other.
One more thing… Savannah? Good lord. Tell me you’re a spoiled, trust fund baby without saying you're a spoiled, trust fund baby. You never asked questions? You want to take over when your dad steps down, but you aren’t currently active enough to talk to your dad about how the players are responding to the coach you vouched for? Go back to your spa day, princess. You pulled a player away from the Stanley Cup for a situation that was taken care of. How out of touch can you be?
#CarriesARCReads #arcread #secondchance #cleanromance
-Markus
“Even now, after years of mental beatdowns, I’m still measuring myself by how useful I am to the people around me. I don’t even know what I want. Only what I’m good for.”
-Kaitlyn
“Never in a million years did I think I’d be hearing about alien dicks from the sweet little old lady from across the street.”
-Kaitlyn
“You are very much not a wallflower. You’re the centerpiece, the very thing my eyes are drawn to the second we’re in the same room.”
-Markus
I love how this is a second chance, he saved me, touch her and die romance. And, AND, she owns a bookstore. Ahhh!!!
Here is the thing, why should they be together?
Kaitlyn was not healed from the abuse she endured from Wyatt. If she isn't ready to make friends after all this time, what makes her believe she's ready to be in a healthy, romantic relationship? Maria is the closest thing to a friend she has, yet she believes she is a burden to Maria. How can she want to start something up with Markus when she doesn't believe that Maria is genuine with her friendship?
Markus is just as broken. Thirteen years later and he is still emotionally paralyzed by the crash. He feels so guilty that he has kept everyone but his family at arms reach. All of a sudden he needs Kaitlyn to be his so bad that he moves her into his house. What? Homeboy! You need to fix yourself before playing out wifey fantasies with a complete stranger.
These two need more healing before they start wearing sexy lingerie and charging up toys for sleepovers. Both need therapy to work out their feelings of guilt and inadequacy. Or a good cry while they talk about their feelings to a trusted and nurturing person in their lives. Either of those options are a good start before either should start thinking about starting up a relationship with the other.
One more thing… Savannah? Good lord. Tell me you’re a spoiled, trust fund baby without saying you're a spoiled, trust fund baby. You never asked questions? You want to take over when your dad steps down, but you aren’t currently active enough to talk to your dad about how the players are responding to the coach you vouched for? Go back to your spa day, princess. You pulled a player away from the Stanley Cup for a situation that was taken care of. How out of touch can you be?
#CarriesARCReads #arcread #secondchance #cleanromance
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ice Queen is hands down one of my favourite reads this year! I was hooked from the first chapter and devoured it in a weekend! I still can't stop thinking about Markus and Kaitlyn 🥹🥰
Kaitlyn is in an abusive relationship and when she flees in the night with her abusive ex chasing her, she ends up in a bar begging a complete stranger for help. This selfless stranger who turns out to be our MMC, Markus, takes her to an airport to escape and start fresh. They both never stop thinking about the encounter and a few years later their cross pass again due to a twist of fate in which the ticket that Kait purchased to flee lands her in the same city where Markus lives and plays professional hockey 🥹
Kaitlyn is in the process of finding herself and rebuilding her life from the ground up while healing from the abuse and her dreams lead her to owning a bookstore (which my bookish heart absolutely loved!) Her trama is apparent in her everyday life and she's very closed off out of fear of being hurt. In so many ways I could relate to Kait ❤️🩹 I love how she pushes through to learn to live a life without fear.
Markus is truly book boyfriend perfection 😍 This is my first experience with the Dobermann MMC trope and I'm addicted 🤭 Firecely protective, loyal and the sweetest, loving teddy bear, Markus had me swooning through the entire story 🥰 After bring the sole survivor of a plane crash as a teenager and loosing his best friend (and first love) Markus is dealing with terrible survivors guilt and my heart breaks for him as he tries to navigate that, along with one of his coaches making his life quite hellish. He's carrying such a heavy load but is determined to lighten it and it made me so proud when he started going to therapy.
Together these two truly find the most beautiful comfort within each other and the strength to heal as individuals to be better for one another.
The mental health, trauma and grief representation in this story was all handled so beautifully and in a way that the reader can relate to. I was brought to tears multiple times as I read this book (both happy and sad tears) as their stories unfolded and we learned what they each had been through, as well as watching them heal. ❤️🩹
I absolutely loved the found family within the circle of the team, their partners, Markus' family and Maria the adorable owner of the coffee shop across from bookshop. The support and love from towards Markus and Kait made my heart so happy and watching Kait find the family she so desperately needed brought me so much joy.
The ending shocked me in the best way and the epliloge had me crying the happiest of tears!
Ice Queen will absolutely be a re-read for me and I'm now a superfan of Lindsey's work 🥰 So grateful to have recieved an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
Kaitlyn is in an abusive relationship and when she flees in the night with her abusive ex chasing her, she ends up in a bar begging a complete stranger for help. This selfless stranger who turns out to be our MMC, Markus, takes her to an airport to escape and start fresh. They both never stop thinking about the encounter and a few years later their cross pass again due to a twist of fate in which the ticket that Kait purchased to flee lands her in the same city where Markus lives and plays professional hockey 🥹
Kaitlyn is in the process of finding herself and rebuilding her life from the ground up while healing from the abuse and her dreams lead her to owning a bookstore (which my bookish heart absolutely loved!) Her trama is apparent in her everyday life and she's very closed off out of fear of being hurt. In so many ways I could relate to Kait ❤️🩹 I love how she pushes through to learn to live a life without fear.
Markus is truly book boyfriend perfection 😍 This is my first experience with the Dobermann MMC trope and I'm addicted 🤭 Firecely protective, loyal and the sweetest, loving teddy bear, Markus had me swooning through the entire story 🥰 After bring the sole survivor of a plane crash as a teenager and loosing his best friend (and first love) Markus is dealing with terrible survivors guilt and my heart breaks for him as he tries to navigate that, along with one of his coaches making his life quite hellish. He's carrying such a heavy load but is determined to lighten it and it made me so proud when he started going to therapy.
Together these two truly find the most beautiful comfort within each other and the strength to heal as individuals to be better for one another.
The mental health, trauma and grief representation in this story was all handled so beautifully and in a way that the reader can relate to. I was brought to tears multiple times as I read this book (both happy and sad tears) as their stories unfolded and we learned what they each had been through, as well as watching them heal. ❤️🩹
I absolutely loved the found family within the circle of the team, their partners, Markus' family and Maria the adorable owner of the coffee shop across from bookshop. The support and love from towards Markus and Kait made my heart so happy and watching Kait find the family she so desperately needed brought me so much joy.
The ending shocked me in the best way and the epliloge had me crying the happiest of tears!
Ice Queen will absolutely be a re-read for me and I'm now a superfan of Lindsey's work 🥰 So grateful to have recieved an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
July 13, 2026
Ugh okay so Ice Queen. plz I have feelings😭😭😭😭😭
Markus Samuels the man that you are 😭 I just wanna put him in my pocket and protect him from the world. He's been carrying this insane amount of guilt for 13 years and you can feel it like physically. He's so busy taking care of everyone else it's like he forgets he's allowed to be taken care of aswell. My heart literally hurtsss for him.
And Kait ugh I love her sooooo much. She goes through hell and then just builds this whole life. She opens a bookstore and she's not this loud in your face strong. She's quiet and she's figuring it out and it felt so real. The best part was that Markus never once tried to save her. He was just there, just this safe place to land. He let her be strong on her own and I was just like yessssssssss this is it.
Their relationship was so safe. Not in a boring way! In a like I can finally breathe way. No stupid drama, just two messed up people who found each other and were like oh, okay. maybe it doesn't have to hurt so much.
The princesa to reina, stopppp it 😭😭😭😭😭
the found family! I'm such a sucker for it and this one was just a big warm hug. Kait finally having people who just chose her, who saw her and wanted her around ughhhhh it made me so emotional. ohhhh and of course the dog loved her best he has good taste.
alsoooooo the therapy rep was done sooo good. It wasn't a quick fix, it was hard and messy and they had to actually work at it which made their happy ending feel so perfffff yaknow? well you don't right now but you totally will when you read it <3
This book just made me feel everything. I laughed, I cried, I smiled like an idiot. I didn't wanna let them go.
🏒 hockey romance
🐕 Doberman MMC
📚 bookstore owner FMC
❤️🩹 trauma & healing
🫂 found family
🧠 therapy rep
💬 text banter
🥹 protective MMC
🐾 emotional support dog
🔥 slow burn
🌙 fade to black
Thank you to Lindsey for the ARC <3 All thoughts are my own.
Markus Samuels the man that you are 😭 I just wanna put him in my pocket and protect him from the world. He's been carrying this insane amount of guilt for 13 years and you can feel it like physically. He's so busy taking care of everyone else it's like he forgets he's allowed to be taken care of aswell. My heart literally hurtsss for him.
And Kait ugh I love her sooooo much. She goes through hell and then just builds this whole life. She opens a bookstore and she's not this loud in your face strong. She's quiet and she's figuring it out and it felt so real. The best part was that Markus never once tried to save her. He was just there, just this safe place to land. He let her be strong on her own and I was just like yessssssssss this is it.
Their relationship was so safe. Not in a boring way! In a like I can finally breathe way. No stupid drama, just two messed up people who found each other and were like oh, okay. maybe it doesn't have to hurt so much.
The princesa to reina, stopppp it 😭😭😭😭😭
the found family! I'm such a sucker for it and this one was just a big warm hug. Kait finally having people who just chose her, who saw her and wanted her around ughhhhh it made me so emotional. ohhhh and of course the dog loved her best he has good taste.
alsoooooo the therapy rep was done sooo good. It wasn't a quick fix, it was hard and messy and they had to actually work at it which made their happy ending feel so perfffff yaknow? well you don't right now but you totally will when you read it <3
This book just made me feel everything. I laughed, I cried, I smiled like an idiot. I didn't wanna let them go.
🏒 hockey romance
🐕 Doberman MMC
📚 bookstore owner FMC
❤️🩹 trauma & healing
🫂 found family
🧠 therapy rep
💬 text banter
🥹 protective MMC
🐾 emotional support dog
🔥 slow burn
🌙 fade to black
Thank you to Lindsey for the ARC <3 All thoughts are my own.
July 7, 2026
ARC Review
Lindsey Saenz really said, "I see you like romance... but what if I threw in some emotional trauma, tension, and a few plot twists..." 🤔 And I absolutely love it!
I'm usually a fluffy romance kind of girl, but Lindsey Saenz has this incredible ability to write stories that carry so much emotional weight. The drama, the heartbreak, the healing... she pulls you into every moment, and I'm here for it.
Book 2 in the Tampa Bay Hawks series follows Markus and Kait, two people who deserve love more than almost anyone. Watching them slowly find not only the love they deserved but also themselves, made for such a satisfying and heartfelt happily ever after.
The story begins with two people carrying more baggage than they know what to do with. As they slowly unpack their pasts, lean on the people around them, and open their hearts again, we're taken on a journey that's sweet, emotional, and full of laugh-out-loud banter. The romance tugs at your heart in all the best ways.
My favorite part of this series has to be the framily vibes. (You'll just have to read the book to understand why that word is so special, and trust me, it's worth it. 🤭) Found family is one of my all-time favorite tropes, and Lindsey has absolutely nails it in this series. She beautifully shows that healing doesn't happen alone. It takes a village, and the Tampa Bay Hawks and their WAGs are the perfect example of what it truly means to show up for the people you love.
Thank you to Lindsey Saenz and Luna Literacy for the opportunity to read this early. I already can't wait to read the next one! 😍
Lindsey Saenz really said, "I see you like romance... but what if I threw in some emotional trauma, tension, and a few plot twists..." 🤔 And I absolutely love it!
I'm usually a fluffy romance kind of girl, but Lindsey Saenz has this incredible ability to write stories that carry so much emotional weight. The drama, the heartbreak, the healing... she pulls you into every moment, and I'm here for it.
Book 2 in the Tampa Bay Hawks series follows Markus and Kait, two people who deserve love more than almost anyone. Watching them slowly find not only the love they deserved but also themselves, made for such a satisfying and heartfelt happily ever after.
The story begins with two people carrying more baggage than they know what to do with. As they slowly unpack their pasts, lean on the people around them, and open their hearts again, we're taken on a journey that's sweet, emotional, and full of laugh-out-loud banter. The romance tugs at your heart in all the best ways.
My favorite part of this series has to be the framily vibes. (You'll just have to read the book to understand why that word is so special, and trust me, it's worth it. 🤭) Found family is one of my all-time favorite tropes, and Lindsey has absolutely nails it in this series. She beautifully shows that healing doesn't happen alone. It takes a village, and the Tampa Bay Hawks and their WAGs are the perfect example of what it truly means to show up for the people you love.
Thank you to Lindsey Saenz and Luna Literacy for the opportunity to read this early. I already can't wait to read the next one! 😍
Review of advance copy received from Author
Kaitlyn must escape her abusive ex and asks a stranger for help. That stranger is Markus, who doesn't hesitate. Fate throws them together again. Kaitlyn is still healing but has grown a lot and stepped into her own. Markus is a broken man. He is the protective type and fiercely loyal but it comes from a place of trauma and pain. The two are drawn to each other and slowly learn to trust and realize they deserve love. I loved that this wasn't the Markus saving the Kaitlyn. It's more like she saves herself because he helps her realize she's worth it. He has begun to face his fears before she comes back into his life but it's her presence and love that help him really heel. When danger resurfaces, they save each other as a team.
I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book. Both Markus and Kaitlyn are great characters. The Framily is hilarious.
This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but reading the first book might be helpful. They are small mentions of characters and things that happened in the first book. It doesn't cause confusion but knowing what's referenced would add to the enjoyment of the book. The switching back and forth between last name and first for the players and Scarlett and Lettie at times was annoying but nothing that took away from the story.
I loved the story and now I need to go find a man to whisper sweet nothings to me in Spanish.
I found myself smiling and laughing throughout the book. Both Markus and Kaitlyn are great characters. The Framily is hilarious.
This is the second book in the series. It can be read as a standalone but reading the first book might be helpful. They are small mentions of characters and things that happened in the first book. It doesn't cause confusion but knowing what's referenced would add to the enjoyment of the book. The switching back and forth between last name and first for the players and Scarlett and Lettie at times was annoying but nothing that took away from the story.
I loved the story and now I need to go find a man to whisper sweet nothings to me in Spanish.
July 7, 2026
could read this book a thousand times and it still wouldn’t be enough.
Markus and Kaitlyn are both survivors. He was struggling with survivor’s guilt from a accident years ago. He truly didn’t believe he deserved to still be living. Kaitlyn has escaped an abusive relationship with scars so deep that she felt she didn’t deserve to take up the space she did.
The healing process of their story is painful but truly beautiful. I could see pieces of myself in Kaitlyn in the way she interacted with others and how she viewed herself. Two words that best describe her: quiet strength. She can easily hide in the background but Markus always saw her. Slowly, he helped her come out of the shadows. I loved her transformation throughout the book. I was literally in tears by the end because I felt immensely proud of how far she’d come.
Markus Samuels, the man you are. He was probably one of the best well-written characters I’ve ever read. This man was deeply broken. His quiet brokenness slowly started to corrode his career and ability to truly move on. Kaitlyn coming into his life helped him open up more. His friends and teammates were also instrumental in helping him find joy again. The theme of therapy was handled perfectly. I can tell Lindsey poured her heart and soul into this book because it’s her best one yet.
Markus and Kaitlyn are both survivors. He was struggling with survivor’s guilt from a accident years ago. He truly didn’t believe he deserved to still be living. Kaitlyn has escaped an abusive relationship with scars so deep that she felt she didn’t deserve to take up the space she did.
The healing process of their story is painful but truly beautiful. I could see pieces of myself in Kaitlyn in the way she interacted with others and how she viewed herself. Two words that best describe her: quiet strength. She can easily hide in the background but Markus always saw her. Slowly, he helped her come out of the shadows. I loved her transformation throughout the book. I was literally in tears by the end because I felt immensely proud of how far she’d come.
Markus Samuels, the man you are. He was probably one of the best well-written characters I’ve ever read. This man was deeply broken. His quiet brokenness slowly started to corrode his career and ability to truly move on. Kaitlyn coming into his life helped him open up more. His friends and teammates were also instrumental in helping him find joy again. The theme of therapy was handled perfectly. I can tell Lindsey poured her heart and soul into this book because it’s her best one yet.
July 20, 2026
Oh my, I loved stepping back into this world! I loved the first book in this series, and this one might have just barely beaten it for my favorite book in this series/world. Lindsey Saenz does such a great job bringing up difficult topics.
We have all heard of a golden retriever MMC, but have you heard of a Doberman MMC? Me either, but Markus/Sammie is the perfect example of one. I honestly have never heard a better description of an MMC by another character in a book before. He is loyal, protective (maybe a little overprotective at times), and would do anything for the people he cares about.
Now Kati/Kaitlyn starts in an abusive relationship that she literally flees from. She is in the process of finding herself again, healing, and building a life she is proud of. She accomplishes one of her dreams and opens a very cute romance bookstore. Her trauma is very apparent in her everyday life. I love that she finds the strength to move on, fight back, and live without fear.
They truly helped heal each other. They found strength in each other and the strength to heal themselves.
You got the found family in the first book, but you got even more of it in this book, and let me tell you, I am in love with them! The way they rally around each other is better than what most people get from their own families! I can’t wait to step into this world again!
We have all heard of a golden retriever MMC, but have you heard of a Doberman MMC? Me either, but Markus/Sammie is the perfect example of one. I honestly have never heard a better description of an MMC by another character in a book before. He is loyal, protective (maybe a little overprotective at times), and would do anything for the people he cares about.
Now Kati/Kaitlyn starts in an abusive relationship that she literally flees from. She is in the process of finding herself again, healing, and building a life she is proud of. She accomplishes one of her dreams and opens a very cute romance bookstore. Her trauma is very apparent in her everyday life. I love that she finds the strength to move on, fight back, and live without fear.
They truly helped heal each other. They found strength in each other and the strength to heal themselves.
You got the found family in the first book, but you got even more of it in this book, and let me tell you, I am in love with them! The way they rally around each other is better than what most people get from their own families! I can’t wait to step into this world again!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Thank you so much to Lindsey Saenz for the copy of Ice Queen, book 2 in the Tampa Bay Hawks series. I was so excited to return to Tampa and be back with the team! I nearly devoured this whole book in one sitting. I loved getting to see more of Lucas and Scarlett from book 1! I love a good dual POV book and I was hooked by our FMC’s first chapter. Kaitlyn’s story started at her rock bottom and seeing her claw her way out was amazing. I loved that she opened her own bookstore and her appreciation for indie authors was a great nod to the real life book world. Kaitlyn’s advice to “do it scared” really resonated with me. Sometimes the most rewarding things are hard and scary to start. The MMC, Markus, is top tier book boyfriend quality. He’s fighting his own demons as well as dealing with someone trying to sabotage his career. I really enjoyed seeing his healing process throughout the story. Some things I loved about this book: forced(ish) proximity, text banter, representation of sensory sensitivities, and princesa to reina. It was hard not to fall in love with these characters. The book ending was extremely satisfying and I’m not ashamed to admit the ending had me in my feels enough to cry. Definitely recommend!
Review of advance copy received from Author
Oh my heart!!!! 🥹 The mental health rep in this is done with such care. To have both MC's going through so much individually and them coming together, healing on their own, growing together. It was absolutely beautiful. To showcase what they each went through, their insecurities, trauma, having everything laid out on the table was so raw.
This one starts off super heavy. You immediately get brought into trauma. Both Markus and Kait are just trying to survive and heal. Their entire story brings on so many different emotions. They weren't perfect. They had to learn to trust, to let go, and to truly love. To face their fears that take a great amount of courage. They did it not only together but also individually.
Everyone has a messy past and to watch them grow together was absolutely everything. I truly ended up loving these two! Lindsey's stories always fill the soul and she always nails the definition"framily" which has me so invested in all the characters. 🖤 I can't wait to see what's next for this series!
🖤doberman MMC
🖤she falls first, he falls harder
🖤hockey romance
🖤bookstore owner FMC
🖤therapy rep
🖤Text banter
🖤Found family
🖤Emotional support dog
🖤Fade to black
🖤Slow burn
This one starts off super heavy. You immediately get brought into trauma. Both Markus and Kait are just trying to survive and heal. Their entire story brings on so many different emotions. They weren't perfect. They had to learn to trust, to let go, and to truly love. To face their fears that take a great amount of courage. They did it not only together but also individually.
Everyone has a messy past and to watch them grow together was absolutely everything. I truly ended up loving these two! Lindsey's stories always fill the soul and she always nails the definition"framily" which has me so invested in all the characters. 🖤 I can't wait to see what's next for this series!
🖤doberman MMC
🖤she falls first, he falls harder
🖤hockey romance
🖤bookstore owner FMC
🖤therapy rep
🖤Text banter
🖤Found family
🖤Emotional support dog
🖤Fade to black
🖤Slow burn
July 7, 2026
I could gush about this read all day every day! Broken boys get me every single time and not only is Markus “Sammy” Samuels broken but he’s a Doberman through and through when it comes to his friends and family and the brunette bookstore owner who’s got him tied up in knots and I love it.
This read has a fate factor I couldn’t get enough of, with Kait and Sammy having a past encounter that changed her future forever before she reappears in his life, his friend group, and his home. The forced proximity is such a Sammy thing, because of course he’s giving her a place to stay and obsessively making sure she’s safe, and I really feel like his mental health journey is done so well. And while Sammy is battling survivor’s guilt and ptsd, Kait is blossoming and finding herself again thanks to this amazing group of friends and the way Sammy listens to what she needs and stands up for her when she can’t and by her side when she’s got this. These two have great chemistry, I love how easily Kait can rile Sammy up and that it’s a game they both love, his family is adorable and the twist? Did not see that coming but man is it genius! A more than fantastic read from Lindsey Saenz that I am one hundred percent in love with!
This read has a fate factor I couldn’t get enough of, with Kait and Sammy having a past encounter that changed her future forever before she reappears in his life, his friend group, and his home. The forced proximity is such a Sammy thing, because of course he’s giving her a place to stay and obsessively making sure she’s safe, and I really feel like his mental health journey is done so well. And while Sammy is battling survivor’s guilt and ptsd, Kait is blossoming and finding herself again thanks to this amazing group of friends and the way Sammy listens to what she needs and stands up for her when she can’t and by her side when she’s got this. These two have great chemistry, I love how easily Kait can rile Sammy up and that it’s a game they both love, his family is adorable and the twist? Did not see that coming but man is it genius! A more than fantastic read from Lindsey Saenz that I am one hundred percent in love with!
July 3, 2026
Thank you Luna Literary and Lindsey for this ARC, all opinions are my own.
This was such an emotional and beautiful story to read. The topics covered are really heavy but also felt really relatable and it was really healing to read.
Some tropes include:
Hockey Romance
Mental Health Rep
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Bookstore Owner FMC
Dobermann MMC
Found Family
Fade to Black (no on page spice)
Both MC's have past trauma they are healing from, DV and PTSD/survivors guilt from a plane crash years prior. Both characters are so vulnerable and open themselves up and they both really embrace their healing journeys in ways that are true to the character but also felt really relatable. The topics discussed are very heavy at times so take care when reading but I promise it is worth it. Lindsey takes such care in writing these difficult scenes and I loved reading the therapy sessions with Markus because you really feel like you are in the room with him and experiencing it all with him.
The initial meeting between our MC's was not necessarily a 'meet cute' more divine intervention but I loved it all the same. This story was different than a lot of others I have read in that there isn't really on page spice, its more of a fade to black situation but it was still really enjoyable to read. Both the FMC and MMC are OBSESSED with each other, even when they aren't ready to admit it. I love Markus and Kait so much and I am obsessed with Lindsey's writing now so I have to go back and read book one of this series before anymore come out.
This was such an emotional and beautiful story to read. The topics covered are really heavy but also felt really relatable and it was really healing to read.
Some tropes include:
Hockey Romance
Mental Health Rep
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Bookstore Owner FMC
Dobermann MMC
Found Family
Fade to Black (no on page spice)
Both MC's have past trauma they are healing from, DV and PTSD/survivors guilt from a plane crash years prior. Both characters are so vulnerable and open themselves up and they both really embrace their healing journeys in ways that are true to the character but also felt really relatable. The topics discussed are very heavy at times so take care when reading but I promise it is worth it. Lindsey takes such care in writing these difficult scenes and I loved reading the therapy sessions with Markus because you really feel like you are in the room with him and experiencing it all with him.
The initial meeting between our MC's was not necessarily a 'meet cute' more divine intervention but I loved it all the same. This story was different than a lot of others I have read in that there isn't really on page spice, its more of a fade to black situation but it was still really enjoyable to read. Both the FMC and MMC are OBSESSED with each other, even when they aren't ready to admit it. I love Markus and Kait so much and I am obsessed with Lindsey's writing now so I have to go back and read book one of this series before anymore come out.
July 7, 2026
Listen up, fellow page-turners and fictional-man-hoarders!
I’ve been sitting on this review for so long I was starting to sprout feathers, just waiting for release day so I could finally screech my thoughts into the void.
First, a massive thank you to the author for letting me read this early. And second: HAPPY RELEASE DAYYYY! Let’s get into it.
I inhaled this book in a single sitting. Literally. I was standing over a hot stove, risk-managing a boiling pot of pasta with one hand and holding my Kindle like a shield with the other. Did I almost burn my house down? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
The story follows Kait, a bookstore owner, and Marcus, a hockey player, navigating some major life changes (no spoilers, because I'm not a monster).
But I have to be honest: there’s a specific emotional beat where Marcus feels completely disoriented, and I texted the author like, "Wow, this is exactly how I used to feel waking up in a random field after a high school party." Dang. I just aged myself harder than carbon dating. Moving on!
Bottom line: this book is top-tier. If you like sports, relentless teasing, and banter that will make you kick your feet, READ THIS BOOOOOK!
kBAI!
I’ve been sitting on this review for so long I was starting to sprout feathers, just waiting for release day so I could finally screech my thoughts into the void.
First, a massive thank you to the author for letting me read this early. And second: HAPPY RELEASE DAYYYY! Let’s get into it.
I inhaled this book in a single sitting. Literally. I was standing over a hot stove, risk-managing a boiling pot of pasta with one hand and holding my Kindle like a shield with the other. Did I almost burn my house down? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely.
The story follows Kait, a bookstore owner, and Marcus, a hockey player, navigating some major life changes (no spoilers, because I'm not a monster).
But I have to be honest: there’s a specific emotional beat where Marcus feels completely disoriented, and I texted the author like, "Wow, this is exactly how I used to feel waking up in a random field after a high school party." Dang. I just aged myself harder than carbon dating. Moving on!
Bottom line: this book is top-tier. If you like sports, relentless teasing, and banter that will make you kick your feet, READ THIS BOOOOOK!
kBAI!
July 7, 2026
🏒 Hockey Romance
📚 Bookstore Owner FMC
🐶 Dog Matchmaker
✨ Stranger to Friends to Lovers
🩶 Emotional Healing
❤️🩹 Trauma & Survivor's Guilt
🌿 Slow Burn
This was such a heartfelt romance that balanced emotional healing with a sweet, slow-building love story.
The MMC has carried the weight of survivor's guilt for years, and his journey toward accepting that he deserves happiness was the emotional core of the book. The FMC has her own painful past, and watching these two wounded people slowly become each other's safe place made their relationship feel genuine and rewarding.
I especially loved how the bookstore setting added so much charm, and the dog definitely stole plenty of scenes by nudging these two together. Their chemistry grew naturally, making every interaction feel meaningful.
The emotional moments hit hard, though I would have liked a little more depth in a few areas of their pasts and a slightly stronger payoff toward the end. Even so, the romance was heartfelt, hopeful, and full of quiet moments that made me smile.
This story is definitely worth reading!
I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
📚 Bookstore Owner FMC
🐶 Dog Matchmaker
✨ Stranger to Friends to Lovers
🩶 Emotional Healing
❤️🩹 Trauma & Survivor's Guilt
🌿 Slow Burn
This was such a heartfelt romance that balanced emotional healing with a sweet, slow-building love story.
The MMC has carried the weight of survivor's guilt for years, and his journey toward accepting that he deserves happiness was the emotional core of the book. The FMC has her own painful past, and watching these two wounded people slowly become each other's safe place made their relationship feel genuine and rewarding.
I especially loved how the bookstore setting added so much charm, and the dog definitely stole plenty of scenes by nudging these two together. Their chemistry grew naturally, making every interaction feel meaningful.
The emotional moments hit hard, though I would have liked a little more depth in a few areas of their pasts and a slightly stronger payoff toward the end. Even so, the romance was heartfelt, hopeful, and full of quiet moments that made me smile.
This story is definitely worth reading!
I received this book as an eARC in exchange for my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Pero que historia tan hermosa. Lindsey has an ability to write books that will keep you going without wanting to stop. The characters will start to feel like you know them since page one. She is running away from someone who hurt you, finding comfort or safety in the person who took you away from it all, but not seeing them again but knowing they saved you. He is trying to be part of the team and be present at all times but sometimes your brain lets you know from something that happens. When I tell you this book had me hooked, wishing I knew this character in real life, being part of this amazing friend group, being able to be friends with Kaitlyn who found everything she ever wished for, even being seen by the handsome Markus. These books will give you all the emotions, being intrigued to what will happen next, being able to see them grow alone but together as well. This series is good, Lindsey's books are good, I will never past a book from this author, so make sure you don't either.
Review of advance copy
Por fuera, Markus Samuels parece tenerlo todo. Es una estrella del hockey, tiene dinero, una familia que lo ama y sus amigos sus compañeros de equipo. Pero detrás de cada sonrisa se esconden heridas que nunca han sanado, recuerdos que lo persiguen incluso en sus sueños.
Kaitlyn pasó años atrapada en una relación abusiva. Cuando por fin logra escapar, llega a Tampa decidida a construir algo solo para ella. Lo último que busca es depender de alguien más, mucho menos de un hombre capaz de derribar todas las barreras que ha levantado para protegerse.
Aunque sus caminos se cruzaron una vez en el momento más inesperado, ninguno imaginó que el destino lo volvería a reunir. Ahora, mientras Markus lucha contra los fantasmas de su pasado y Kaitlyn intenta descubrir quién es realmente, desarrollan una conexión muy fuerte y deben decidir si serán capaces de dejar atrás el pasado y darle una oportunidad al presente o dejaran que sus miedos ganen.
__
Me encanto la amistad de todos, sobre todo como las chicas recibieron con los brazos abiertos a Kai desde el principio.
Kaitlyn pasó años atrapada en una relación abusiva. Cuando por fin logra escapar, llega a Tampa decidida a construir algo solo para ella. Lo último que busca es depender de alguien más, mucho menos de un hombre capaz de derribar todas las barreras que ha levantado para protegerse.
Aunque sus caminos se cruzaron una vez en el momento más inesperado, ninguno imaginó que el destino lo volvería a reunir. Ahora, mientras Markus lucha contra los fantasmas de su pasado y Kaitlyn intenta descubrir quién es realmente, desarrollan una conexión muy fuerte y deben decidir si serán capaces de dejar atrás el pasado y darle una oportunidad al presente o dejaran que sus miedos ganen.
__
Me encanto la amistad de todos, sobre todo como las chicas recibieron con los brazos abiertos a Kai desde el principio.
Review of advance copy received from Author
"Ice Queen" is the second installment of Tampa Bay Hawks series by Lindsey Saenz and its releasing July 7th. Lindsey gives us two utterly shattered and heartbroken characters, Markus and Kait that learn how love can heal, uplift and protect one anothers hearts by showing us the light after darkness, companionship after loneliness and the happiness can happen and be enjoyed after misery. Their connection is immediate, but fears and insecurities threaten their perfect chemistry.
Neither characters are perfect but together they naviagte the waters of grief and suffering to find their light at the end of the tunnel in this mental representation book. Markus protective nature and how Kait didnt need a knight shining armor but aomeone who understood she can fight her battles after the ex of hers destroyed every bit of confidence she may of have BUT grew back after escaping his hold with secretly being Markus being the HEA in the end.
Then lets talk the found family vibe, the crew of characters in this circle of friends and team mates makes me so excited for the future if this series and Lindsey writes their personalities so dang well that they do gravitate towards you which wuld explain why I finished this book in under 24 hours on a lazy Saturday. Kait needed this feeling of love and acceptance and thia trope with the list of character's is exactly what I had hoped while reading "Ice Queen".
Thank you for the advance readers copy Lindsey and Luna Literacy!
If your vibe is..
What you will find inside this book:
Hockey Romance
Mental Health Rep
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Bookstore Owner FMC
Dobermann MMC
Found Family
Fade to Black (no on page spice)
.. then add to your TBR today!
Neither characters are perfect but together they naviagte the waters of grief and suffering to find their light at the end of the tunnel in this mental representation book. Markus protective nature and how Kait didnt need a knight shining armor but aomeone who understood she can fight her battles after the ex of hers destroyed every bit of confidence she may of have BUT grew back after escaping his hold with secretly being Markus being the HEA in the end.
Then lets talk the found family vibe, the crew of characters in this circle of friends and team mates makes me so excited for the future if this series and Lindsey writes their personalities so dang well that they do gravitate towards you which wuld explain why I finished this book in under 24 hours on a lazy Saturday. Kait needed this feeling of love and acceptance and thia trope with the list of character's is exactly what I had hoped while reading "Ice Queen".
Thank you for the advance readers copy Lindsey and Luna Literacy!
If your vibe is..
What you will find inside this book:
Hockey Romance
Mental Health Rep
She Falls First, He Falls Harder
Bookstore Owner FMC
Dobermann MMC
Found Family
Fade to Black (no on page spice)
.. then add to your TBR today!
July 8, 2026
Ice Queen by Lindsey Saenz absolutely stole my heart.
Markus and Kaitlyn are two people carrying the weight of their own trauma, but somehow, through all the pain, they find peace in each other. Their relationship isn't rushed or perfect—it feels raw, honest, and exactly what they both needed. Watching them slowly tear down the walls they'd built had me completely invested.
The emotional depth in this story is what really stands out. Every conversation, every vulnerable moment, and every step they take toward healing together felt authentic. Markus is patient in all the right ways, and Kaitlyn's journey of learning to trust again was beautiful to witness.
This wasn't just a romance—it was a story about finding light after darkness and realizing you don't have to carry your burdens alone. Lindsey Saenz perfectly balances the heavier themes with moments of tenderness, hope, and chemistry that make you root for Markus and Kaitlyn from beginning to end.
If you love emotionally driven romances with characters who help each other heal, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
Markus and Kaitlyn are two people carrying the weight of their own trauma, but somehow, through all the pain, they find peace in each other. Their relationship isn't rushed or perfect—it feels raw, honest, and exactly what they both needed. Watching them slowly tear down the walls they'd built had me completely invested.
The emotional depth in this story is what really stands out. Every conversation, every vulnerable moment, and every step they take toward healing together felt authentic. Markus is patient in all the right ways, and Kaitlyn's journey of learning to trust again was beautiful to witness.
This wasn't just a romance—it was a story about finding light after darkness and realizing you don't have to carry your burdens alone. Lindsey Saenz perfectly balances the heavier themes with moments of tenderness, hope, and chemistry that make you root for Markus and Kaitlyn from beginning to end.
If you love emotionally driven romances with characters who help each other heal, this one deserves a spot on your TBR.
July 9, 2026
I absolutely loved Ice Queen! I usually gravitate toward romances with more open-door spice, but this book completely captivated me without needing it.
Markus is a deeply broken man with an incredibly kind heart. The trauma he endured years ago continues to impact his daily life, and his journey was so emotional that it brought me to tears.
Kaitlyn is running from a painful past and carries deep trust issues. She’s strong, resilient, and fiercely independent, but beneath it all, she simply needs someone to show her that she’s worthy of love and that it’s safe to trust again.
I really appreciated the way Lindsey handled mental health through these characters. Their struggles felt authentic, heartfelt, and added so much depth to the story. And that ending? I never saw it coming! It completely caught me off guard, but I loved how everything came together in the end.
This was an emotional, beautifully written romance that stayed with me long after I finished it.
Thank you Lindsey for this amazing eARC opportunity for my honest review.
Markus is a deeply broken man with an incredibly kind heart. The trauma he endured years ago continues to impact his daily life, and his journey was so emotional that it brought me to tears.
Kaitlyn is running from a painful past and carries deep trust issues. She’s strong, resilient, and fiercely independent, but beneath it all, she simply needs someone to show her that she’s worthy of love and that it’s safe to trust again.
I really appreciated the way Lindsey handled mental health through these characters. Their struggles felt authentic, heartfelt, and added so much depth to the story. And that ending? I never saw it coming! It completely caught me off guard, but I loved how everything came together in the end.
This was an emotional, beautifully written romance that stayed with me long after I finished it.
Thank you Lindsey for this amazing eARC opportunity for my honest review.
June 26, 2026
A story about survival, about healing hearts and finding the person who helps you in the process.
Markus is a talented hockey player hiding behind his survivor’s guilt and the crushing weight of it.
Kaitlyn is a survivor on her ow. She escapes from a hard situation and is decided to rebuild her life without being afraid.
Two accidental meetings and a few years later, they end up in the same circles.
Their connection is immediate, but fears and insecurities threaten their perfect chemistry.
Ice Queen is a beautifully written story that deals with grief and trauma with the perfect balance and care and shows that facing your fears might be painful, but the only way to move forward.
Lindsey Saenz gives us heartbroken characters that learn how love can heal, uplift and protect showing us the light after darkness, the companion after loneliness and the happiness after misery.
Thank you for the ARC.
Markus is a talented hockey player hiding behind his survivor’s guilt and the crushing weight of it.
Kaitlyn is a survivor on her ow. She escapes from a hard situation and is decided to rebuild her life without being afraid.
Two accidental meetings and a few years later, they end up in the same circles.
Their connection is immediate, but fears and insecurities threaten their perfect chemistry.
Ice Queen is a beautifully written story that deals with grief and trauma with the perfect balance and care and shows that facing your fears might be painful, but the only way to move forward.
Lindsey Saenz gives us heartbroken characters that learn how love can heal, uplift and protect showing us the light after darkness, the companion after loneliness and the happiness after misery.
Thank you for the ARC.
Review of advance copy
What happens when you get the courage to run?
Ice Queen is the next book in the Tampa Bay Hawks series and will have you hooked from page one.
It seems like fate has a plan for Kaitlyn and Markus but can they get through the past to have that future?
Kaitlyn and Markus’ story is truly a special one. Both have survived situations that a lot of people haven’t and need to find someone that is willing to take them as they are and be their support. From the moment they meet in Tampa, their connection is undeniable. There are moments that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and break your heart as you follow their journey.
One of my favorite parts of books are often the side characters that make up the found family and support system for the MCs, and this family is definitely fun. You’ll see all your favorite women and men from previous books and get to enjoy the banter they all share.
Come join the fun with the Tampa Bay Hawks as they watch Markus fall for his queen.
Ice Queen is the next book in the Tampa Bay Hawks series and will have you hooked from page one.
It seems like fate has a plan for Kaitlyn and Markus but can they get through the past to have that future?
Kaitlyn and Markus’ story is truly a special one. Both have survived situations that a lot of people haven’t and need to find someone that is willing to take them as they are and be their support. From the moment they meet in Tampa, their connection is undeniable. There are moments that will make you laugh, make you sigh, and break your heart as you follow their journey.
One of my favorite parts of books are often the side characters that make up the found family and support system for the MCs, and this family is definitely fun. You’ll see all your favorite women and men from previous books and get to enjoy the banter they all share.
Come join the fun with the Tampa Bay Hawks as they watch Markus fall for his queen.
Review of advance copy
Ice Queen by Lindsey Saenz delivers an emotional, heartfelt hockey romance that is the second installment of the Tampa Bay Hawks series. In this novel, we are introduced the FMC Kaitlyn and the MMC Markus, two people with their own baggage that they carry on their backs. From the start, I really enjoyed how their connection began during one of the darkest moments of Kaitlyn’s life, and years later, fate brings them back together when they least expect it. One of the things that stood out to me about this book is the way Saenz handled the heavier themes. The story explored trauma, grief, mental health, and healing with compassion while still giving readers moments of warmth, humor, and hope. Overall, Ice Queen was an emotional and sweet story that was impossible for me to put down once I started.
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
I received an ARC copy from Luna Literacy. Thank you so much for giving me a chance to read and voluntarily review this novel!
July 7, 2026
Markus Samuels is a hockey player with the world on his shoulders. Markus has survivor's guilt and thinks he can push through to heal on his own. After a series of events, Markus realizes that he needs professional help to overcome his past.
Kaitlyn Tyler is in an emotionally abusive relationship. Before the abuse can escalate, Kaitlyn runs. Kaitlyn is saved by a towering stranger & books the first flight, which happens to be Tampa Bay.
Two years after running, Kaitlyn is opening a bookshop. She gets an opportunity to be a part of an event with the Tampa Bay Hawks. Kaitlyn meets Markus and realizes he is the towering stranger who saved her.
Both Kaitlyn and Markus have work to do to be completely free of the past. Markus' family and friends embrace Kaitlyn which she loves. With the support of the Hawks and their mates, Kaitlyn and Markus eventually find their HEA.
Kaitlyn Tyler is in an emotionally abusive relationship. Before the abuse can escalate, Kaitlyn runs. Kaitlyn is saved by a towering stranger & books the first flight, which happens to be Tampa Bay.
Two years after running, Kaitlyn is opening a bookshop. She gets an opportunity to be a part of an event with the Tampa Bay Hawks. Kaitlyn meets Markus and realizes he is the towering stranger who saved her.
Both Kaitlyn and Markus have work to do to be completely free of the past. Markus' family and friends embrace Kaitlyn which she loves. With the support of the Hawks and their mates, Kaitlyn and Markus eventually find their HEA.
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